probably Ming dynasty, Swatow ware bowl painted with a phoenix, rim painted with stylized fruits and plants, 2-3/4 x 13-1/4 in.; wide and shallow bowl painted with stylized lotus and scrolling floral designs, 2-3/4 x 14-1/4 in.; shallow bowl with sloping side, paneled rim painted with flower baskets, center painted with a lotus pond, 2-1/2 x 11 in.; Qing dynasty, shallow bowl with radial line work, painted calligraphic rosette at center, 2 x 10-1/4 in.

Provenance: Sotheby Parke Bernet, Sale 3646, Lot 345, May 24, 1974 (lotus pond example); Estate of Virginia B. Story, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Note: The phoenix bowl is accompanied by a handwritten description from William & Robert Arnett, Inc. Oriental and Primitive Art, in Atlanta, Georgia, dated January 4, 1979, and describing the bowl as Swatow ware, circa 1600.

phoenix example with hairlines and glaze crazing, rim chip; lotus pond example with rim chip, two rim hairlines; lotus flower example with glaze flakes, small nicks; calligraphic example with area of repair/retouch; other scattered scratches and wear, some rough feet/kiln debris